Published on: 5 September 2023
1. Closing the Concurrent Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) Loophole
One significant change involves the issuance of Concurrent CoEs. Previously, students could transition from study to work arrangements after less than six months in Australia. To address this issue, the Department of Home Affairs has closed this loophole. Starting in 2023, students can only receive Concurrent CoEs after completing six months of their courses. This change aims to uphold the true purpose of student visas and reduce the risk of misuse.
Moreover, the Department is actively investigating more than 200 educational institutions with high visa refusal rates, dubbing them “dodgy providers.” To maintain quality education, suspension certificates under Section 97 of the ESOS Act may be issued to high-risk providers, preventing them from recruiting international students. This marks a significant step towards ensuring the credibility of the education system.
2. Increased Financial Capacity Requirement
Financial stability is essential for international students to sustain their stay in Australia. As a result, the Department has raised the financial requirements for student visa applicants. Effective from October 1, 2023, applicants must demonstrate savings of $24,505, a 17% increase from 2019 levels. While this change reflects the rising living expenses in Australia, it’s crucial for prospective students to plan their finances accordingly.
Please note that the specific financial requirements for family members accompanying students have not been officially announced yet. As of now, these figures remain at AUD 7,362 for each accompanying family member and AUD 3,152 for dependent children.
3. Transition from Genuine Temporary Entrant to Genuine Student Test
Another noteworthy change is the transition from the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement to the Genuine Student Test. Under the GTE requirement, students had to prove that their primary purpose in Australia was to study and they weren’t exploiting student visas for work opportunities. Additionally, they needed to demonstrate their temporary stay intent.
With the new Genuine Student Test, students are still required to show their commitment to studying in Australia. However, they no longer need to prove temporary intentions. This aligns with Australia’s efforts to attract skilled individuals educated and trained in the country to contribute to the workforce and potentially obtain permanent residency.
While this transition has been proposed, it’s essential to note that it hasn’t been officially announced by the Department yet. More information will be available as the details are finalized.
Minister for Home Affairs Clare O’Neil says, “International education is our fourth largest export – it’s essential that we maintain our global reputation for quality education. Our government has no tolerance for people who exploit students.”
“Our message is clear – the party is over, the rorts and loopholes that have plagued this system will be shut down”, she says.
These changes aim to enhance the integrity of international education in Australia. They close existing loopholes, raise financial requirements, and potentially streamline the visa application process. As the government continues to strengthen the international education sector, prospective students and institutions should stay informed about further updates in the upcoming Migration Strategy release.
Please note that visa regulations and policies can change, so it’s important to stay up to date with official government sources for the most accurate and current information.
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